SSgt Derek E. Wilson is a Regional Bandsman assigned to the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. As a vocalist, he renders the national anthem at high-visibility military and civilian events and is a featured performer in a wide range of musical settings, delivering strategic Air Force messages to connect the American public with its military and support recruiting efforts across ten states.
Sergeant Wilson entered the Air Force in January 2015. After completing Basic Military Training, he was assigned to the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Prior to his current assignment, Sergeant Wilson was stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, where he led operations for international outreach missions to strengthen multinational partnerships throughout the USINDOPACOM area of responsibility. Additionally, he deployed as a member of the Air Force Central Band in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL promoting morale, diplomacy, and outreach to coalition partners and embassies.
EDUCATION
2011 Bachelor of Science, General Music Education, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
2019 Airman Leadership School, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
ASSIGNMENTS
- April 2015 – April 2017, Vocalist, Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois
- April 2017 – June 2022, Vocalist, Band of the Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii (October 2018 – January 2019, Vocalist, Air Force Central Command Band, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar)
- June 2022 – Present, Vocalist, Band of Mid-America, Sott Air Force Base, Illinois
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award
Air Force Good Conduct Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Overseas Service Ribbon Long
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border
Air and Space Longevity Service Award
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class – March 19, 2015
Senior Airman – May 27, 2017
Staff Sergeant – April 1, 2019
(Current as of June 2024)